In The Crucible, a play written by Arthur Miller, the strict Puritan community of Salem is bombarded with the hysteria of witchcraft. It starts when five young girls of Salem are caught dancing in the forest. Instead as mere children playing, this behavior is viewed upon by the Puritans as the work of the devil. As the hysteria builds momentum, more and more accusations radiate. Reverend Hale, a well known expert on witches, is brought into Salem to 'cleanse' the town of it's evil. At the beginning of the play, Hale leads the onslaught of punishment for the accused; but by the end, he radically changes his views, denouncing the court and its proceedings.

At first, Hale believes that the witch trials are necessary, and stands by them unconditionally. When he first comes to town, he concludes that Satan is at work. 'And I mean to crush him utterly if he has shown face!' (p.39)

Examination of a Witch by T. H. Matteson, inspired...

Deposition of Abigail Williams v. George Jacobs, S...

"The witch no. 1" lithograph

Hale shows his strong abhorrence toward evil. He is willing to follow the church's authority to do anything to put a stop to it. While he is talking to Abigail, a girl who was caught dancing in the forest, he yells, 'You cannot evade me...' (p.43) Hale expects to find evidence of witchcraft. This expectation leads him to early, not fully thought out conclusions. Hale is determined to end the alignments these witches have with the Devil, and he knows the court is too.

Later, Hale's views on the courts change and he becomes less obedient to it's decisions. When the judge finds out that John Proctor, an accused witch, plows on the Sabbath, he becomes disgusted; but Hale questions his authority. 'Your Honor, I cannot think that you may judge the man on such evidence.' (p.78) Hale is slowly starting to see how...

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The Witchcraft Hysteria ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ In 1692, in Salem Massachusetts, the superstition of witches existed in a society of strong Christian beliefs. Anybody who acted out of the ordinary was accused of being a witch and then the accuse would actually be forgiven if the blamed their ...

... play is how Arthur Miller depicts how one selfish, evil person like Abigail Williams can bring others down and make others follow her to commit evil acts. These evil acts affect even the most honest people in the town like John and Elizabeth Proctor ...

... Puritan views. They had no trouble believing that, because Parris had called Reverend Hale, (known for his studies in demonic arts), there must truly be witchcraft within the town. The play progresses and certain characters begin to develop: here is a community ...

... Puritan society, in the form of witches, terrified the Salemites. They called for Reverend Hale of Beverly at the slightest inkling of belief that there was a possibility of witchcraft ... play The Crucible, for they were merely products of their time. This is shown ... Miller 5). As Puritans ...

... Reverend Hale has a conflict with Abigail's doings but not for the same reason as John Proctor . Hale knows that Abigail is purging and he really tries to prevent innocent lives being wasted. John wants to stop Abigail so he can save his wife. Hale ...

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